The Portland daily press., 1887-05-28
THE MADIsoNs' BUTLER.
by EDITH EVELYN RIGELow.


Inc question WITH her meant, generally,
how long will the newly acquired domestic
remain on the field Of his or her present use
fulness-oi uselessness?
Mrs. Madison was rich in this worlds
goods. She had an indulgent husband,
charming children, a more than comfortable
income, and enough beauty to make her very
pleasant to look upon. But all these gifts of
8 kind Providence were as nothing weighed
In the balance against the crushing fact that
every one of the Madison buffers was worse
than his predecessors. The poor lady had
tried every nationality except the Chinese
there she drew the line. The Irishmen need
no description. We in America have all
suffered. The colored men were wofully
lacking in style" The Swedes were mer-
cenary, and would leave in hope of higher
wages. The Germans were too-something,
II forget what" Mrs. Madison would say in
recounting her woes to an intimate friend,
'and the Frenchmen too something else I;
and really, my dear, if you notice several
gray hairs under my bonnet am not sur
prised. But what can do? George will
give dinners, and will not have woman
wait at table,"
AT the time when this veracious history
opens. the latest venture in the pantry-line
had proved to be a complete failure, and was
10 depart ON the morrow. s8
Mrs. Madison sat in her charming sitting
room, over a wood FIRE, with the hot-water
kettle kissing genially among its companion
tea-things, which had been brought in for
the last time by the present incumbent.
Opposite to her was her sister, Sylvia Ar
den. She had just come In from walking,
and her long sealskin garment was thrown
open as she sat toasting her cold feet and
drawing off her gloves.
She was one of the prettiest girls in New
YOrk,-which means that she was very love-
/. ly indeed. sta
' "Shall you have that dinner on the 18th,
Maud" asked the young lady. She rose as
she spoke, and Invested herself of her ,furs,
and as she did so one saw what 1.-THE and
shapely figure she had.
1T all depends on the butler" said her
sister. George viii get somebody to-day
goodness knows what" ~
IAN Irishman, probably said Sylvia
Allisur French dressmakers are Irish. Our
city is ruled by the Irish; our policemen are
Irish; why not our buffers p''
(. Il should think you were Irish yourself,
dea-, from what you say" said Mrs. Madi-
son, laughing. "Ah, there's Georges key
In the door. Now we shall see what news
he brings"
In a moment or two the master of the
house entered. Hs. q sts.s II.
He took the cup of tea which his wife had
poured out. Then, seating himself, he said,
well, / have got him." .
.Who?" asked his wife, mischievously
Patrick O'Mulligan %
mo. John Parkins,--an Englishman."
'.Was there ever an Engishman who
wasn't named Jehn?" said Sylvia.
Good references, of course" said Mrs,
Madison, with grim sarcasm. "They always
have"
NO." said her husband, cheerfully, ''None
at ALL"
Mrs. Madison was quite quiet.
"You are tired of the silver, them"
mot at all; but he won't take the silver
If there is anything dishonest about John
Parkins, then l am wofully mistaken"
"You generally are" said his wife, dryly.
THANK you, madam. No, he may be a lit
Gle green, but he is one of the finest looking
+ men ever saw
do you remember our British Adonis?v
asked Sylvia, when he handed round the
lobster sauce in kitchen jug, and then put
himself into the dumb-waiter instead of the
empty dishes P"
IAN likely to forget it2''
"Then why, said Mrs. Madison, with sud
den asperity, do you subject us to a similar
aynarfQnaa h,,,,
out reference into my house?"
"On the same principle" said Mr.. Madi-
son. setting down his cup with perfect i'm
perturbability, ''that you once said that you
would advertise for an atheist, having tried
every religion in the housemaid line and
failed lamentably with all the sects repre-
sented. am tired with aristocracy. Now,
Parkins assures me that he hasn't lived with
any OF them. He has the face of an honest,
steady man; and he tells me that he is. will
ing to learn"
= Mrs. Madison gave mock groan
THAT means that am willing to teach"
said she.
'And are we to have the Bellingers on the
i5th9" asked Sylvia.
by all MEANS" said her brother-in-law.
And SO the conversation ended.
Thenext day, it being the first of the month,
promptly at the hour agreed upon, John
Parkins presented himself to the lady of the
house, with modest deferential air which
was quite delightful. He was strapping
fellow about thirty, dressed In worn but
well-cut garments. His features were rather
handsome, and his smooth-shayen upper lip
showed finac O uIinn nco Of xrarx M al +oo4l,
IT is not our custom to engage any one
without reference" said Mrs. Madison.
I'VE are placing great confidence in you in
taking you like this into our house."
Il am aware of that, ma am" said Park
ins. II am very thankful for your kindness.
hope shall suit YOU"
II hope so,'' said Mrs. Madison, In a tone
which limited that the hope was forlorn one.
Have you had much experience in waiting
ON tablet"
mot much, ma'am," said Parkins.
Nay ask where you have lived last?''
The man hesitated or moment
ION ranch, ma'am," he said, with a
slight air of being unwilling to pursue the
subject further. Then he added, with more
alacrity,-
Il was servant to gentleman out in Wy
oming."
'AhW said Mrs. Madison.
She had rather intended to bully John
Parkins, but somehow the manner of the
man forbade it.
Having this unaccountable feeling that
further investigations would be almost an
impertinence, she proceeded to instruct the
new butler as to what would henceforth be
expected of him.
He showed great alacrity,-zeal not ac-
cording to knowledge. But in spite of few
awkwardnesses ON his part he produced
favorable impression on his new mistress
Dinner that day passed off remarkably
well, considering that Parkins was rather
nervous, as servants are apt to be in new
places.
Miss Arden could not help admiring his
personal appearance and gentlemanly man.
ner, and Mr.. Madison sat at the head of the
table, smiling blandly and full of elation at
the success of his latest venture.
When dinner was over, Mrs Madison en-
tered the pantry to ascertain how the new
functionary was behaving. She was sur
prised to see row of wet plates standing all
round the room, leaning their backs against
the wall
"Why, Parkins, whatever are you doing